Having concluded a not exactly exciting electoral campaign for the European elections, today and tomorrow around 47 million Italians are called to vote to elect 76 MEPs. The electoral campaign that we leave behind was mainly focused on internal politics, transforming the elections into a vote for or against the government but in reality citizens will have to choose the composition of the European Parliament for the next five years with consequences on their lives much deeper than many imagine. As emerged from the legislature that is about to end, European regulations, laws and directives influence the actions of national governments and our lives, which is why today’s and tomorrow’s vote represents an important appointment. It is therefore worth reviewing the most important topics that citizens can influence with their vote to change Europe.
ECONOMIC AND ENERGY POLICIES
The increase in the cost of living and inflation are one of the issues most felt by European citizens also due to the exponential growth in energy prices and bills. The ECB’s recent announcement to cut rates is not sufficient to limit the consequences of the increases, therefore the next European majority will have to carefully evaluate the energy policies to be adopted, favoring a balanced energy mix.
GREEN DEAL AND ECOLOGICAL TRANSITION
The EU has set the objective of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030, a deadline that appears increasingly difficult to achieve and which above all will have significant socio-economic consequences. From businesses to farmers and breeders to ordinary citizens, the impact of the Green Deal driven by ideological positions may be reviewed in the new European legislature. In particular, it will be necessary to address more carefully the danger in terms of energy security and geopolitics of dependence on China on supply chains.
GREEN HOME DIRECTIVE AND STOP THE ENDothermic Engine by 2035
Environmental policies have been animated not only by an ideological but also a dogmatic approach according to which they cannot be questioned. Yet the next European majority could vote to extend the entry into force of the green home directive and review the deadline set for 2035 by which the production of cars with internal combustion engines ends. On the directive dedicated to cars in particular, a review is scheduled for 2026 which could represent an opportunity to modify it.
IMMIGRATION AND NEW PACT FOR MIGRATION
Immigration is a crucial issue that increasingly influences the outcome of elections. The problem of irregular immigration does not only concern Italy or the countries of first arrival but is a European issue which must be addressed as such. The EU recently approved the new pact on migration and asylum but much more needs to be done to regulate migratory flows and stop irregular departures.
DEMOGRAPHIC WINTER
The European data on demographics are merciless, Europe is an increasingly older continent with birth rates in free fall. Compared to 2008, on average 800 thousand fewer children are born in Europe and in 2022 just 3.88 million new European citizens were born with a fertility rate of 1.46 births per woman.
WAR IN UKRAINE, DEFENSE AND COMMON ARMY
The war in Ukraine requires a reflection on the role of the EU in foreign policy which, although it remains a national competence, is now a topic of European discussion. The arrival of a diplomatic and peaceful solution will probably be determined by an action by the United States but Europe cannot fail to make its voice heard as a diplomatic actor in a war on its doors. In particular, the debate on the common European army is an opportunity to first open a reflection on a shared foreign policy which is currently missing.
REVISION OF THE TREATIES
The revision of the treaties is the great issue that arises in every European election,
To review the treaties, a strong political will would be needed which currently does not seem to exist but it is not excluded that a season of reforms could be opened in light of the change in the global scenario that has occurred in recent years.
